Real Madrid’s Italian manager, Carlo Ancelotti, addressed reporters after the Champions League semi-final first leg, questioning the legality of Manchester City’s equalizing goal. He argued that the ball had gone out of play and criticized the official for not exerting enough control over the sequence. A 1-0 result, he suggested, did not alter the overall picture, and he noted that more players deserved bookings on the field rather than himself on the sidelines. He emphasized the perceived lack of vigilance from the referee and stressed that the decision had a meaningful impact on the match.
Ancelotti claimed that television footage supported his claim that the ball left the field near the technical area, yet no information was relayed to the referee. He added that Bein Sports offered a view showing the ball outside the lines, even though it did not appear to be verified by VAR at the time. He stated that if the incident had not been visible to VAR, he still believed the call could have been different and that the team deserved clarity on the matter.
Despite the demanding schedule, with the King’s Cup final taking place on the preceding Saturday and less than 72 hours between matches, the Italian coach was pleased with the physical state of his squad. He remarked that despite the late finish on Saturday, the players recovered well and produced a comprehensive performance on the field. He anticipated ample recovery time ahead of the return leg and highlighted the upcoming league fixture against Getafe as a major focus for the team and the media attention that would follow.
For Ancelotti, Real Madrid felt they deserved to win the clash and carried two strong impressions into the second leg. He acknowledged that City would generally dominate possession, yet insisted his side should not lose patience because opportunities to score would arise. He described the game as one that showcased Real Madrid’s quality, noting that the team created chances and remained pleased with the performance. His hope was to replicate that level of execution at the Etihad Stadium, describing the opening exchanges as a period where patience was needed and where the team gradually found the spaces sought earlier in the match.
Haaland’s debut at the Santiago Bernabéu drew praise from his coach Antonio Rüdiger, who lauded the striker for delivering a performance that merited recognition alongside every teammate. The defensive unit, he noted, had been solid as a collective, limiting Real Madrid’s attacking forays and ensuring a disciplined shape at the back. He observed that the visitors did not fashion many clear chances, and he highlighted a pivotal moment when a goal came from a shot struck from outside the box, with the outcome reflective of the team’s committed defensive effort.
Rüdiger also expressed admiration for Eduardo Camavinga, stressing how the French midfielder’s versatility posed tactical questions for the opposition. He described how Camavinga sometimes drifted inside to occupy central areas, allowing Vinícius Junior to stay wider when necessary. Camavinga’s development was noted as rapid and well-managed, with his positioning evolving so that he could operate effectively as a winger when required. The coach highlighted the player’s continued growth and readiness to contribute on both flanks and in central positions, underscoring his importance to the squad’s system and balance.